Wings of Freedom Tour returns in June with vintage WWII planes to Minden-Tahoe Airport
In honor of WWII veterans, the Wings of Freedom Tour will make a return stop the first three days in June at the Minden-Tahoe Airport as part of their 110-day U.S. tour, airport officials announced Friday. The World War II aviation museum visited the airport last year.
Planes making the trip will include the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress "Nine-O-Nine," WWII Heavy Bomber, Consolidated B-24 Liberator "Witchcraft" and P-51 Mustang fighter. This is a rare opportunity to visit, explore and learn about these unique and rare treasures of aviation history. There are only eight B-17s still able to fly in the U.S. and the B-24 and P-51 are the only ones remaining in service.
Tickets for touring the B-25 inside and out are $12 for adults and $6 for children. WWII veterans can tour for free and discounts are available for school groups. Once in a lifetime opportunities to fly in the planes are also available. The 30-minute rides are $450 per person on the B-17 and B-24, B-25 flights are $400 person and "stick time" on the P-51 fighter plane is $2,200 for one-half hour and $3,000 for an hour.
Call 800-568-8924 for reservations and information on the flight experiences. The Wings for Freedom planes will arrive at the airport on June 1 at noon and will be on display at the main ramp until noon, June 3.
The Wings of Freedom tour is a flying tribute to the flight crews who flew them, the ground crews who maintained the, the workers who built them and the soldiers, sailors and airmen who they helped protect.
The B-17 and B-24 were the backbone of the American effort during the war from 1942 to 1945 and were famous for their ability to sustain damage and still accomplish the mission. Despite the ricks of anti-aircraft fire, attacking enemy fighters and the harrowing environment of sub-zero temperatures, many B-17s and B-24s safely brought their crews home.
The P-51 Mustang was affectioning known as “Little Friend” saving countless cress from attacking axis fighters. After the war, many aircraft were scrapped for their raw aluminum to rebuild a nation in post-war prosperity and therefore few were spared.
The rarity of the B-17, B-24, and P-51 and their importance to telling the story of World War II is why the Collings Foundation continues to fly and display the aircraft nationwide. At each location event organizers encourage local veterans and their families to visit and share their experiences and stores with the public. For aviation enthusiasts, the tour provides the opportunity for the museum to come to the visitor.
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